Capsicum annuum plant named &#39;BOEKTASPEP2&#39;

ABSTRACT

‘BOEKTASPEP2’ is a distinctive variety of  Capsicum annuum  which is characterized by the combination of seedless of near-seedless fruit, a high percentage of fruit possessing no seeds, a large fruit size, fruit with a sweet taste, fruit with a vivid orange color, a unique shape of the fruit, as well as the stability and uniformity of traits through successive cycles of asexual propagation.

LATIN NAME OF THE GENUS AND SPECIES

The Latin name of the genus and species of the novel variety disclosed herein is Capsicum annuum.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

The inventive variety of Capsicum annuum disclosed herein has been given the variety denomination ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Capsicum annuum, commonly called bell pepper, which has been given the variety denomination of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’. Its market class is PLT/258.

Parentage: The Capsicum annuum variety ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ originated as a naturally occurring, whole plant mutation of Capsicum annuum ‘Jaydee’ (unpatented in the United States, NL Plant Breeder's Rights No. 34730, and QZ Plant Breeder's Rights No. 34162 which was subsequently surrendered), a variety developed and owned by the inventor.

The inventor of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ is a commercial bell pepper producer in De Lier, The Netherlands and frequently observes whole plant mutations of Capsicum annuum ‘Jaydee’ at his commercial greenhouse operation. For said mutations which seem to exhibit commercial potential, cuttings are taken to produce trial plants which are subsequently grown for evaluation. At the time of the initial selection, all relevant characteristics are observed and compared with both current commercial varieties as well as with other selections. In October of each year, a determination is made with respect to each candidate variety to determine if there is enough commercial potential to continue with evaluations. Some candidates are discarded. For those candidate varieties that are not discarded, additional cuttings are taken to produce trial plants for a second year of evaluation for commercial potential. After the second year, a final determination is made with respect to each candidate variety.

The variety now called ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ was initially discovered in April 2012. At that time, cuttings were taken and the resulting plants were evaluated at the inventor's greenhouse until October of 2012. At that time it was determined that said variety exhibited certain distinguishing characteristics that would prove favorable for commercial production and marketability. Consequently, the candidate variety was selected for a second year of evaluations, which proceeded from late in 2013 until October of 2014, after which time a final determination was made as to the candidate variety's commercial potential. The candidate variety was given the breeder denomination ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

Asexual Reproduction: ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ was first asexually propagated by vegetative cuttings in April of 2012 at a greenhouse in De Lier, The Netherlands under the control of the inventor and has since been vegetatively propagated through one additional generation. The distinctive characteristics of the inventive ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ variety are stable from generation to generation; clones of the variety produced by asexual reproduction maintain the distinguishing characteristics of the original plant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following characteristics have been repeatedly observed and represent the distinguishing characteristics of the new Capsicum cultivar ‘BOEKTASPEP2’. These traits in combination distinguish ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ as a new and distinct cultivar.

1. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits seedless or near-seedless fruit.

2. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits a high percentage of seedless fruit.

3. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with a notably long shelf life.

4. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with a notably sweet taste.

5. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with a vivid orange color.

6. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits fruit with two locules and, as a result, a latitudinal cross-section in the general shape of the figure “eight”.

7. Capsicum ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits a large fruit size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this type, an exemplary specimens of the new cultivar, ‘BOEKTASPEP2’. The plants shown are approximately 4 months old and were grown in a climate-controlled greenhouse in De Lier, The Netherlands.

FIG. 2 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this type, the foliage of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

FIG. 3 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this type, the foliage of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

FIG. 4 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this type, the flower of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

FIG. 5 shows, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this type, the fruit of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following is a detailed botanical description of a new and distinct variety of Capsicum annuum known as ‘BOEKTASPEP2’, based upon observations of plants, approximately 4 months old from a rooted cutting, grown in a climate-controlled greenhouse in De Lier, The Netherlands. Temperatures ranged from 28 degrees Celsius during the day and 12 degrees Celsius at night. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Observation data was recorded in November of 2014.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristics will vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety may differ from the descriptions set forth herein with variations in environmental, climactic and cultural conditions. Color notations are based on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2007 edition.

A botanical description of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ and comparisons with other varieties of Capsicum annuum are provided below.

-   Technical description of the variety: -   Plant description:     -   -   Growth rate.—Moderate; approximately 30 cm per month during             the growing season.         -   Growth habit.—Upright, trailing.         -   Height.—167.5 cm in height.         -   Width.—55.0 cm in width.         -   Cold hardiness.—Tolerates temperatures from approximately 2             degrees Celsius to, at least, 40 degrees Celsius.         -   Propagation.—Nodal cuttings and grafting.         -   Time to initiate roots.—Approximately 7 to 14 days to             initiate roots at 20° Centigrade.         -   Time to produce a rooted cutting.—Approximately 21 days to             produce a rooted cutting.         -   Disease and pest resistance.—Neither tolerance nor             resistance to normal diseases and pests of Capsicum annuum             have been observed.         -   Drought resistance.—Plants can survive for at least 2 weeks             without supplemental water without a change in foliage             color, or detrimental effects to the plant. -   Root system: Fibrous. -   Stem:     -   -   Number of leaves per stem.—Approximately 20.         -   Stem cross-section.—Slightly to moderately quadrangulate.         -   Stem length.—Approximately 161.0 cm.         -   Stem width.—Approximately 0.8 cm.         -   Stem color.—Green to yellow-green; near RHS 143A and 144A to             144B.         -   Stem texture.—Glabrous; matte. -   Foliage:     -   -   Leaf arrangement.—Alternate.         -   Quantity of leaves per plant.—Approximately 160.         -   Leaf shape.—Ovate.         -   Leaf apex.—Apiculate.         -   Leaf base.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf length.—Average of 18.3 cm in length.         -   Leaf width.—Average of 8.8 cm in width.         -   Texture (adaxial surface).—Glabrous; moderately glossy.         -   Texture (abaxial surface).—Glabrous except for main vein;             moderately glossy.         -   Pubescence (adaxial surface).—Absent.         -   Pubescence (abaxial surface).—Absent, except for main vein;             sparsely to moderately covered with very short soft hairs,             approximately 0.75 mm long and colored green-white; near RHS             157D.         -   Leaf margin.—Entire, very slightly undulate, slightly             concave and involute.         -   Young leaf color (adaxial surface).—Green; near RHS 143A.         -   Young leaf color (abaxial surface).—Yellow-green; near RHS             144A.         -   Mature leaf color (adaxial surface).—Green; near RHS N137A.         -   Mature leaf color (abaxial surface).—Yellow-green; in             between near RHS 146B and 147B, closest to 147B.         -   Venation.—Pinnate.         -   Vein color (adaxial surface).—Yellow-green; near RHS 144B.         -   Vein color (abaxial surface).—Yellow-green; near RHS 148D.         -   Petiole.—Glabrous and slightly glossy; approximately 81 mm             long and 4 mm wide; colored green to yellow-green, near RHS             143A and 144A to 144B. -   Bud:     -   -   Flower bud shape.—Obovate, top flattened, nodding.         -   Flower bud length.—7 mm in length, at approximately 5 days             prior to opening.         -   Flower bud diameter.—5 mm in diameter, at approximately 5             days prior to opening.         -   Bud color.—Green-white; near RHS 157B and 157C. -   Inflorescence and flower:     -   -   Inflorescence.—None; flowers are solitary.         -   Flowering arrangement.—Solitary; axillary; pedicellate.         -   Natural flowering season.—Approximately 60 to 80 days after             planting.         -   Rate of flower opening.—Approximately 10 days from             bud-forming to fully opened flower.         -   Flower longevity on plant.—Approximately 4 days.         -   Fragrance.—Absent.         -   Pedicels.—Length — Approximately 8 mm. Width — Approximately             1.5 mm. Aspect — Approximate angle to stem: 45°, curved             downward in an approximate angle of 45° to vertical. Color —             Green; near RHS 143B.         -   Perianth.—Individual Flowers; Corolla — Arrangement rotate;             approximate diameter of corolla: 2.0 cm, approximate depth             of corolla: 12 mm. Petal Description — Quantity — Average:             5, occasionally 6. Length — Approximately 12 mm. Width —             Approximately 8 mm at widest point. Margin — Entire Shape —             Elliptic Apex — Apiculate to acute. Base — Cuneate, lower             25% fused. Texture — Glabrous, slightly glossy, moderately             velvety. Color — Immature: White; near RHS 155A. Fully             Opened Interior — White; near RHS 155B. Fully Opened             Exterior — White; near RHS 155B. Fading — White to             yellow-white; in between near RHS 155A and 158D.         -   Calyx.—Calyx Arrangement — Fused into a campanulate shape.             Sepals — Sepal Appearance — Glossy and smooth. Sepal             Arrangement — Paired, placed at both sides of the corolla.             Quantity — Two in number. Sepal Shape — Lanceolate,             involute. Sepal Margin — Entire. Sepal Apex — Acute. Sepal             Base — Cuneate. Sepal Length — Average 26 mm. Sepal Width —             Average 4 mm. Immature Sepal Color (adaxial surface) — 145C,             margins 63B. Immature Sepal Color (abaxial surface) — 145C,             margins 63B. Mature Sepal Color (adaxial surface) — 145C,             margins 63C. Mature Sepal Color (abaxial surface) — 145C,             margins 63C. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Stamens.—Number — Average of 5. Filament Length —             Approximately 3 mm. Filament Color — White; near RHS 155A.             Anther Length — Approximately 2 mm. Anther Color —             Violet-blue; near RHS 98c to 98D. Anther Shape — Narrow             ovate to near oblong. Pollen — Moderate to high. Pollen             Color — White; near RHS 155B to 155C.         -   Pistil.—Pistil number — Average of 1. Pistil length,             Including Style — Approximately 3 mm. Stigma shape —             Club-shaped. Stigma color — Yellow-green; near RHS 150A to             150B. Style length — Approximately 2.75 mm. Style color —             Yellow-green; near RHS 150D. Ovary Position — Superior Ovary             color — Yellow-green; near RHS N144C. -   Seed and fruit:     -   -   Fruit.—Type — Berry. General Shape — Longitudinal             Cross-section — Tapered bell shape; ovate to narrow oblong.             Latitudinal Cross-section — Oblong and generally in the             shape of the figure “eight”; two locules. Shape of Apex —             Retuse. Stalk Cavity — Absent. Stalk Cavity Depth — Not             Applicable; stalk cavity absent. Depth of Interloculaty             Grooves — Average of 1.5 mm (varying between 0 and 2 mm).             Attitude — Drooping. Color — Orange; near RHS N25A. Texture             — Glabrous, glossy, very smooth. Dimensions — Approximately             79 mm long and 39 mm wide. Length-to-Width Ratio —             Approximately 1:0.49 Thickness of Flesh — Approximately 5.5             mm at maturity.         -   Seed.—Presence/Amount — Seed is normally not produced. Only             under special circumstances, as in the presence of an             overabundance of pollinators in the immediate vicinity of             the plant, is a negligible amount of seed sporadically             observed in some of the present fruit. Amount of Seed When             Present — Approximately 28 per fruit. Shape — Disc-like.             Dimensions — Average diameter is 4 mm, and the average width             at the narrowest point is 1 mm. Texture — Glabrous, slightly             velvety. Color — Yellow-white; near RHS 158D. -   Comparisons with the parent: Plants of the new cultivar     ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ are comparable to the parent variety Capsicum annuum     ‘Jaydee’ (unpatented) in that both varieties exhibit orange fruit     when mature and both cultivars are said to produce seedless or     near-seedless fruit. However, ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ exhibits a higher     percentage of fruit producing no seeds when compared to ‘Jaydee’.     Also, the fruit of ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ possesses only two locules,     producing a latitudinal cross-section shape that is generally in the     shape of the figure “eight”, whereas ‘Jaydee’ possesses four locules     creating a trapezoidal-shaped latitudinal cross-section.     ‘BOEKTASPEP2’ also exhibits larger flowers, a darker green foliage     color and more plant vigor when compared to ‘Jaydee’. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Capsicum annuum plant named ‘BOEKTASPEP2’, substantially as described and illustrated herein. 